# NTSB LAX84LA488: Bell 206B, N2246W, Paso Robles, CA, September 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1984, 09:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Paso Robles, CA
- Coordinates: 35.610992, -120.760826 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6110&lon=-120.7608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24404
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA488
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24404/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA488

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

PLT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING A SPECIAL VFR CLEARENCE HE TOOK OFF TO SPRAY A NEARBY FIELD. HE CONTINUED TO STATE THAT HE 'MADE A COUPLE OF CIRCUITS OVER THE FIELD, OBSERVED THE TELEPHONE WIRES AND BEGAN SPRAYING. AFTER PERFORMING 2 OR 3 PASSES I HIT SOME TELEPHONE WIRES.' THE PLT ALSO STATED THAT THE WIRE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CLEARLY VISIBLE BECAUSE THE GRAY OVERCAST MADE THE GRAY POLES AND WIRES DISAPPEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2246W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2246W-2013-08-23), registration cancelled 2013-08-23, S/N 472, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELL 206B
- Registry model: [Bell 206B](https://openairdocs.org/model/bell-206b) (registry code 1181511) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Allison 250 SER 400HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/allison-250-ser-400hp) (registry code 03013, turbo-shaft) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 472
- Airframe hours: 4900
- Engines: ALLISON 250-C20 400 horsepower turbo shaft
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Jack Sinton, doing business as Sinton Crop Dusting
- Registered owner: Sycan Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 17, 1984
- Departed: PASO ROBLES, CA
- Destination: PASO ROBLES, CA
- Airport: PRB, Paso Robles

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 8,797 total, 812 in this make and model, 145 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PRB, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840920049869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840920049869A), Sep 20, 1984: Bell 206B, Paso Robles, CA, Destroyed. Pilot hit telephone lines while cropdusting. Overcast skies obscured line.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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